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Abstract:

One embodiment of a data processing system for generating and managing a
plurality of event production documents. The data processing system
comprising a computing device operating a software application and
connecting to a plurality of tablet computing devices over a network. The
event production documents comprising show flows for managing event
productions. The show flow comprising a plurality of predetermined
columns and rows, or cues. The data processing system comprising a
plurality of modes for designing, rehearsing and executing the event
production. Cues are able to be added, removed or edited in real-time.
The plurality of predetermined cues and timers are automatically updated
based on predetermined logic functions associated with a plurality of
classifications of cues. Advancing cues shares associated real-time
updates with connected computing devices operating a companion
application. Users are able to create, edit and save private notes using
the companion application. Other embodiments are described.

Claims:

1. A data processing system for managing an event production, said data
processing system comprising: a. an interface means for inputting a
plurality of data; b. a computer processor means for processing said
data; c. a storage means for storing said data on a storage medium; d. a
retrieval means for retrieving said data; e. a display means for
displaying said data; wherein, said system produces a plurality of event
production documents for managing said event production.

2. The data processing system of claim 1, further comprising: a. a
connection means for connecting a plurality of computing devices to said
data processing system; wherein, said computing devices are configured to
create, display, edit, save or share said event production documents.

3. The data processing system of claim 1, further comprising: a. an
interface means for adding said data; b. an interface means for removing
said data; c. an interface means for editing said data; d. a plurality of
predetermined logic rules for processing said data; wherein, said
predetermined logic rules are associated with real-time changes to
corresponding parts of said show flow documents.

4. The interface means of claim 1, further comprising: a. a first means
for designing said event production documents; b. a second means for
rehearsing said event production documents; c. a third means for
executing said event production documents; wherein, said first means is
characterized by creating a plurality of cues in said event production
document, said second means is characterized by advancing said cues in
any order, said third means is characterized by advancing said cues in
chronological order and the plurality of said means may function
independently or cooperatively.

5. The interface means of claim 1, further comprising: a. a first means
for previewing said event production documents; b. a second means for
editing said event production documents; wherein, said first means is
characterized by a dynamic user interface and second means is associated
with a plurality of predetermined logic rules.

6. The display means of claim 1, further comprising: a. a means for
displaying a plurality of timers; wherein, said timers are associated
with said data processing system and are characterized by a plurality of
predetermined logic rules.

7. A method for generating a plurality of event production documents,
said method comprising: a. providing a first input means for inputting a
plurality of data; b. providing a second processing means for processing
said data; c. providing a third storage means for storing said data on a
storage medium; d. providing a fourth retrieval means for retrieving said
data; e. providing a fifth display means for displaying said data;
whereby, said event production documents are characterized by a plurality
of user-defined cues.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: a. adding said data
associated with said cues; b. removing said data associated with said
cues; c. editing said data associated with said cues; whereby, said data
may be processed according to a plurality of predetermined logic rules
resulting in corresponding changes to said cues and said event production
documents.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: a. connecting to a
plurality of computing devices; b. viewing said event production
documents on said computing devices; whereby, changes to said event
production documents are viewable on said computing devices in real-time.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: a. providing a user
interface for rehearsing said cues; b. connecting to a plurality of
computing devices; c. advancing said cues in any order; d. editing said
cues in said user interface; e. correlating changes to said cues in
real-time on said computing devices; whereby, said cues may be edited
according to a plurality of predetermined logic rules resulting in
corresponding changes to said cues and said event production documents.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising: a. providing a user
interface for executing said cues; b. connecting to a plurality of
computing devices; c. advancing said cues in chronological order; d.
editing said cues in said user interface; e. correlating changes to said
cues in real-time on said computing devices; whereby, said cues may be
edited according to a plurality of predetermined logic rules resulting in
corresponding changes to said cues and said event production documents.

12. A data processing system for generating a plurality of event
production documents, said data processing system comprising: a. an
interface means for inputting a plurality of data; b. a processor means
for processing said data; c. a storage means for storing said data on a
storage medium; d. a retrieval means for retrieving said data associated
with said storage medium; e. a display means for viewing said data;
wherein, said data is processed by said data processing system according
to a plurality of predetermined logic rules.

13. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a user
interface for adding data associated with said event production
documents; wherein, said user interface includes a plurality of
user-defined inputs characterized by a cue start time or a duration.

14. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a user
interface for adding data associated with said event production
documents; wherein, said user interface is characterized by a plurality
of predetermined settings which may facilitate adding said data to said
event production document by means of a minimum of a single action.

15. The plurality of predetermined logic rules of claim 12, further
comprising: a. a first logic rule configured to delineate a plurality of
cue numbers; b. a second logic rule configured to delineate a plurality
of major cues; c. a third logic rule configured to delineate a plurality
of minor cues; d. a fourth logic rule configured to delineate a plurality
of associated minor cues; e. a fifth logic rule configured to delineate a
plurality of unassociated minor cues; f. a sixth logic rule configured to
allocate a plurality of durations to corresponding said major cues; g. a
seventh logic rule configured to allocate a plurality of start times to
corresponding said major cues; h. an eighth logic rule configured to
allocate a plurality of start times to corresponding said minor cues; i.
a ninth logic rule configured to not allow said durations of said major
cues to overlap; j. a tenth logic rule configured to to require said
durations of said major cues to meet without gaps; k. an eleventh logic
rule configured to maintain chronological order of said cue start times;
l. a twelfth logic rule configured to maintain numerical order of cue
numbers; m. a thirteenth logic rule configured to not allow said
durations to be associated with negative measurements of time; n. a
fourteenth logic rule configured to not allow a plurality of cues to have
the exact same start time. wherein, said logic rules may operate
independently or in cooperation with each other.

16. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a
second interface means for viewing said data; wherein, said second
interface means is characterized by previewing and editing of said data.

17. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a
third interface means for viewing said data; wherein, said third
interface means is characterized by a current cue and a standby cue.

18. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a
current and standby cue interface; b. a preview and edit interface; c. a
first means for advancing a plurality of cues; d. a second means for auto
following said cues; wherein, said cues are advanced within said preview
and edit interface in association with said first means for advancing
said cues and a plurality of following cues are advanced within said
preview and edit interface in association with said second means for auto
following said cues.

19. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a
first total run time calculation; b. a second cue countdown calculation;
c. a third timer countdown calculation; d. a fourth stopwatch
calculation; e. a fifth +/- scheduled time calculation; wherein, said
calculations are based on a plurality of predetermined logic rules.

20. The data processing system of claim 12, further comprising: a. a
digital timer output; b. wherein, said digital timer output is associated
with said event production document and is triggered according to a set
of predetermined logic rules.

Description:

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Prior Art

[0003] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently
appears relevant:

[0005] Generally, shows are managed, operated and/or produced by a team of
people, herein referred to as the production team. In the case of
corporate event shows, the leader of said production team is the Producer
and/or Stage Manager.

[0006] The Stage Manager of the show is generally responsible for
designing an event production document, commonly referred to as a "Show
Flow", "Run of Show", "Rundown", "Cue Sheet", "Cue-to-Cue", "Que-to-Que",
"Minute-by-Minute", "Script", "Prompt Book", "Show Bible", "Cue Book",
"Schedule of Events", "Production Schedule", "Production Sequence of
Events", "Timeline" or other event production documents, and to
communicate said show flow to the members of the production team.

[0007] The current industry-adopted format for a show flow is generally a
spreadsheet or document comprising of a series of consecutive cue numbers
along one axis and labels or headers along the other axis including but
not limited to: "Cue Start Time", "Duration",
"Action/Description/Script/Element/Function", "Team
Member/Operator/Position/User" and "Notes/Comments".

[0008] Cues refer to an action or series of actions that are to be
executed at a specific time and order in the show. For instance, when a
presenter is to enter the stage from back stage they would get a
"standby" cue to get ready and wait before entering followed by a "go"
cue to then enter the stage. Cues can be as simple as turning on a light
or music to very complex cues involving pyrotechnics and choreographed
movements of a plurality of team members.

[0009] The current industry standard method for producing and distributing
the show flow comprises of the Stage Manager creating the show flow in
Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word, for example, printing the spreadsheet
or document using a computer and printer, and then distributing paper
copies to the production team. There are many challenges with the
presently adopted method.

[0010] During the developmental stages of the show flow, especially in the
rehearsal of the live event or show, many changes to the show flow may be
necessary. As cues are added, removed, moved or edited, each team member
writes down notes on their paper copy. If the Stage Manager has time,
they may update the spreadsheet or document and redistribute a new paper
copy of the show flow to the production team. If the individual team
members had their own unique hand-written notes on their own paper copy
of the show flow, they would have to carefully rewrite their notes on the
new printed version since the individual or "Private Notes" are not
generally updated by the Stage Manager on the revised printed copies of
the show flow. The process of revising, reprinting and redistributing
paper copies of the Show Flow may be repeated many times. If changes to
the show flow are necessary during the actual show, the Stage Manager
generally makes an announcement over headset to the production team
members and then each team member writes down the changes on their
existing printed copy of the show flow.

[0011] If important cue notes are not properly transcribed to each current
version of the show flow or are not communicated by the Stage Manager,
human error on the part of the production team may ensue, potentially
causing disruptions or failures of the various elements of the show
including but not limited to incorrect, delayed or missed cues such as
rolling videos, turning on the microphone of the guest speaker, operating
a lighting effect, playing audio tracks, changing the graphics on the
screens, set changes, opening or closing the curtains, turning on house
lights, igniting pyrotechnics etc.

[0012] The current industry standard for speaker timers is generally a
small box controller that sends a signal down a wire to a display which
is placed in a position that people on the stage can view or in a green
room or backstage. The currently used speaker timers are cumbersome and
outdated. They are stand-alone countdown timers and can have no outside
control. Generally, there is not a specific person assigned to set and
manage the speaker timer so a production crew member who is already
assigned to another technical position is often recruited to increase
their work load and also manage the speaker timer during the show which
results in the technician often forgetting to set the speaker timer or
often starting the timer late or not at all.

[0013] During the show, it is common for multiple crew members, clients,
actors and presenters to ask whoever is running the speaker timer, "how
much time do we have left?". This also leads to other questions like
"what cue are we on?", and "where are we in the show flow?" Often
presenters or actors are confused as to when they are supposed to be out
on stage. Other event professionals such as banquet kitchen staff, event
vendors, destination management companies, limo drivers and meeting
planners may also need to know if the event production is on time, ahead
of schedule or behind schedule to manage the connected elements of the
overall event. If the overall event production elements are not
cohesively orchestrated, additional labor and costs associated with time
may be incurred.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In accordance with one embodiment, a data processing system for
managing an event production comprises an interface means for inputting a
plurality of data, a computer processor means for processing said data, a
storage means for storing said data on a storage medium, a retrieval
means for retrieving said data, a display means for displaying said data,
wherein, said system produces a plurality of event production documents
for managing said event production.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

[0015] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like
numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several
views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes represent different
instances of substantially similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in this document.

[0016]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a suitable computing
environment in which the invention may be implemented, in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 2A is a flowchart of a computer software application, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2B is a flowchart of a companion software application for
tablet computing devices, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a representation of a graphical user interface, in Design
Mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a representation of a graphical user interface, in
Rehearsal Mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a representation of a graphical user interface, in Show
Mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a representation of a graphical user interface, in
"Offline Mode" on a tablet computing device, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a representation of a graphical user interface for a
tablet application, in Live Show Mode, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a representation of a graphical user interface, countdown
clock/speaker timer on a tablet computing device, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 9A is a flowchart of a plurality of logic processes
comprising, adding, removing and editing cues, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 9B is a flowchart of logic processes associated with a
plurality of timers comprising, total run time, cue countdown, duration,
countdown timer and stopwatch, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.

[0027]FIG. 9C is a flowchart of functional processes associated with
advancing cues and activating timers, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.

[0029] All descriptions are for the purpose of illustrating selected
embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the
scope of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram illustrating an example
computing system for implementing the invention, including a
representation of a conventional laptop computer 100, also referred to as
a laptop or a computer, in the form of a MacBook Pro laptop manufactured
by Apple Inc., in accordance with one embodiment. The laptop computer 100
has a 15-inch LED-backlit Retina Display 101, a built-in keyboard 102, a
multi-touch track pad 103. The laptop computer 100 has a system bus 104a
that couples with various system components including a 2.4 GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7 processor 105a, an 8 GB RAM 106a and a 250 GB solid state
drive memory 107a. The laptop computer 100 utilizes a Mountain Lion
operating system (OS X 10.8) 108a. The laptop computer 100 has a built-in
802.11n WiFi card 109a and multiple ports including a plurality of USB
3.0 ports 110a for connecting with a plurality of devices. The laptop
computer 100 operates a computer software application 200 (FIG. 2A) and
processes a plurality of program data 203, in accordance with one
embodiment.

[0031]FIG. 1 also shows a representation of a tablet computing device 111
for implementing the invention, also referred to as a tablet computer or
a tablet, in the form of an iPad 2 manufactured by Apple Inc., in
accordance with one embodiment. The tablet 111 has a 9.7-inch (diagonal)
LED-backlit multi-touch display 112. The tablet 111 has a system bus 104b
that couples with various system components including a Dual-core A5
processor 105b, a RAM 106b, and a 16 GB Memory 107b. The tablet 111
utilizes an iOS 6.0 operating system 108b. The tablet 111 and has an
802.11a/b/g/n WiFi card 109b for connecting with a plurality of devices.
The tablet computer 111 operates a tablet software application 201 and
processes the plurality of program data 203, in accordance with one
embodiment.

[0032]FIG. 1 further shows a representation of an AirPrint-enabled
printer 113, also referred to as a printer, in the form of an HP
Photosmart 6520 e-All-in-One Printer manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, in
accordance with one embodiment. The printer 113 has an 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
card 109c and a USB 2.0 port 110c to connect with a plurality of devices.

[0033]FIG. 1 additionally shows a representation of a wireless network
router 114, also referred to as a wireless router, in the form of an
Airport Extreme Base Station manufactured by Apple Inc., in accordance
with one embodiment. The wireless network router 114 has an 802.11a/b/g/n
transmitter 115 which connects with a plurality of devices such as the
MacBook Pro laptop computer 100, the iPad 2 tablet 111 or the printer
113, for example.

[0034]FIG. 2A shows a flowchart of the basic process of operating the
software application 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. By means of the computer 100 (FIG. 1), the user launches the
software application 200 in the customary fashion, for example by
clicking on an application icon 202 on the desktop or selecting a file
name 213 from a conventional file menu 209.

[0035] Once the software application 200 is opened, an initial screen
graphical user interface (GUI) 204 is displayed on the computer display
screen 101 (FIG. 1). From the initial screen GUI 204, the user can select
from one of three options, a "new show" button 205, an "open" button 206
or an "open recent" button 207.

[0036] Selecting the "new show" function 205 opens a "show info" input GUI
208 whereby the user can input descriptive text such as a venue name,
show date, client name, for example. Then the user can either select a
"cancel" button 211 or a "design show" button 212. Selecting the "cancel"
button 211 takes user back to the initial screen GUI 204. Selecting the
"design show" button 212 opens the software application 200 in a first
module for designing, formatting and modifying the show flow as
illustrated by a "Design Mode" GUI 300 (FIG. 3).

[0037] Or instead, the user may select the "open" button 206 from the
initial screen GUI 204, which opens a conventional file finder window 209
where the user may select a file name 213 to open the file in the
software application 200. Once the file is opened, the user may continue
to design, format and modify the show flow in the "Design Mode" GUI 300
(FIG. 3) by making changes to a show flow grid 324 (FIG. 3). The show
flow grid 324 (FIG. 3 is the graphical representation of the show flow in
the computer software application 200.

[0038] Alternatively, the user may select the "open recent" button 207
from the initial screen GUI 204, which displays a list of files which
have been recently opened 210 by the software application 200. The user
may select the file name 213 to open the file in the software application
200. The opened file is displayed in the "Design Mode" GUI 300 (FIG. 3).

[0039] In order to rehearse the cues of the show flow, the user may select
a second module of the software application 200 in a "Rehearsal Mode" GUI
400. A third module of the software application 200 opens the file in a
"Show Mode" GUI 500 in which the user is able to view the show flow and
manage the communication to the production team during the live event.

[0040] In order to alternate between modes, the user may click on a "mode
selector" 303 (FIG. 3) which includes the plurality of modes comprising,
the "Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3), the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) and the
"Show Mode" 500 (FIG. 5).

[0041] FIG. 2B shows a flowchart of the basic process of operating the
tablet software application 201, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. By means of the tablet 111 (FIG. 1), the user launches the
tablet application 201 in the customary fashion, for example by clicking
on the application icon 202 on the touch display 112 (FIG. 1).

[0042] Once the tablet application 201 is opened, the initial screen
graphical user interface 204 is displayed on the touch display 112 (FIG.
1). From the initial screen GUI 204, the user can select from a plurality
of options including, a "view saved shows" button 220, a "connect to live
show" button 221 or a "refresh" button 222.

[0043] Selecting the "view saved shows" button 220 displays a "My Shows"
GUI 224 whereby the user may select from the list of saved show flow
files 210 (FIG. 2A). From the "My Shows" GUI 224, the user can select
from a plurality of options including, the function to open 206 the show
flow file 213 (FIG. 2A), the function to delete 226 the show flow file
213 (FIG. 2A), or a "back" button 223 to return to the initial screen GUI
204. Selecting the delete 226 show flow function removes the show flow
file 213 (FIG. 2A) and the corresponding program data 203 from the memory
107 (FIG. 1) of the tablet 111 (FIG. 1). Selecting the open show flow
file function 206 displays an "offline mode" GUI 600.

[0044] Alternatively, from the initial screen GUI 204, the user may select
the "connect to live show" button 221 which displays a "select user" GUI
225. Then the user may select from a list of users 229, select a "timer
as user" option 230 or select a close function 227. Selecting from the
list of users 229 opens the show flow file 213 (FIG. 2A) in a "live
show/rehearsal" GUI 700.

[0045] Selecting the "timer as user" function 230 opens a "Timer Mode" GUI
800 (FIG. 8) and displays a full screen sized countdown timer 802 (FIG.
8) using the corresponding program data 203. Once the "Timer Mode" GUI
800 is open, the user has the option of selecting the "back" button 223
or an "invert" button 801 (FIG. 8). The "back" button 223 returns the
user to the initial screen GUI 204. The "invert" button 801 (FIG. 8)
inverts the colors of the "Timer Mode" GUI 800 (FIG. 8).

[0046] Within the "offline mode" GUI 600 (FIG. 6) or the "live
show/rehearsal" GUI 700 (FIG. 7), the user may select the back button
223, select a change users function 231, edit a private notes field 335
(FIG. 6), select a save function 228, or select a print or share function
601 the show flow file 213 (FIG. 2A). Selecting the back button 223
returns the user to the "My Shows" GUI 224. Selecting the change users
function 231 displays a "select user" GUI 225 displaying the list of
users corresponding to the show flow file 213 (FIG. 2A). Making a
selection from the list of users 229 then populates the show flow grid
324 (FIG. 3) with the corresponding program data 203 from the show flow
file 213 (FIG. 2A). The private notes 335 (FIG. 6) are saved locally on
the memory 107b (FIG. 1) and are viewable in the corresponding show flow
file 213 (FIG. 2A). whether the user is in offline mode 600 (FIG. 6) or
live show/rehearsal mode 700 (FIG. 7).

[0047]FIG. 3 shows the first implementation of the software application
200 (FIG. 2A) as the "Design Mode" graphical user interface (GUI) 300, to
be utilized by means of the computer 100 (FIG. 1), in accordance with one
embodiment. The "Design Mode" GUI 300 is the module within which the user
may design the show flow 213 (FIG. 2A) using fields such as: a "cue start
time" column 329, a "duration" field 336, a plurality of "action" or
descriptive element columns 332, a plurality of "user" columns 333, a
"shared notes" column 334, and a "private notes" column 335, and may
customize the show flow 213 (FIG. 2A) to meet user needs and preferences.

[0048] The "Design Mode" GUI 300, has an upper toolbar with a plurality of
drop down menus 301 with labels comprising of "File", "Edit", "Format",
"View", "Tools", "Window" and "Help", for example. The user opens the
drop down menu 301 by common techniques, such as by using the mouse or
the track pad 103 (FIG. 1) or by using keyboard shortcuts.

[0049] Below the dropdown menu 301 is a plurality of "Show Info" text
boxes 302 to input information about the event production such as venue,
client name, show date, show flow version number or show title, for
example. To the right of the "Show Info" text boxes 302 is a mode
selector 303 to alternate between the "Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3), the
"Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) and the "Show Mode" 500 (FIG. 5).

[0051] Below the "Design Mode" toolbar 304 is the "show flow grid" 324
comprising of a plurality of columns 325 and a plurality of rows 326. The
default columns 325 comprising of a "Cue#" column 328, the "Cue Start"
column 329, a "Cue Countdown" column 330, the "Timer" column 331, the
"Action" column 332, the plurality of "User" columns 333, the "Notes
Shared" column 334 and the "Notes Private" column 335. The "show flow
grid" 324 is also comprised of a plurality of the rows 326 identified by
numerals 1, 2, 3 etc. Each row 326 represents a cue 327 in the "show flow
grid" 324. By default, the rows 326 are blank until the user adds cues
327 to the "show flow grid" 324.

[0052] In "Design Mode" 300, additional action columns 332 and user
columns 333 may be added to the "show flow grid" 324 by clicking on the
"Column+" shortcut 314 in the "Design Mode" toolbar 304 or by utilizing
the corresponding command in the dropdown menu 301, for example. User
columns 333 may be removed by clicking on the "Column-" shortcut 315 in
the "Design Mode" toolbar 304 or via the dropdown menu 301, for example.
The action columns 332 or user columns 333 may be customized by right
clicking the column header. Dragging and dropping the columns 325 into
their desired order by means of the mouse or the track pad 103 changes
the ordering of the columns 325.

[0053] If there is more text in a cell than is visible on the screen, a
"more info+indicator" 337 is displayed. When the user clicks on the "more
info+indicator" 337, an expanded text pop over screen opens up with the
complete alphanumeric text in a proportionately larger scrolling window.
The "more info+indicator" is also functional in the other modes and in
the tablet application 201 (FIG. 2B).

[0054]FIG. 4 shows the second implementation of the software application
200 (FIG. 2A) as the "Rehearsal Mode" graphical user interface (GUI) 400,
to be utilized by means of the computer 100 (FIG. 1), in accordance with
one embodiment. The "Rehearsal Mode" GUI 400 is a module within which the
user can rehearse the show flow 213 (FIG. 2A) and share the show flow
file 213 (FIG. 2A) with a plurality of production team members, for
example using the tablets 111 (FIG. 1), operating the tablet software
application 201 (FIG. 2B).

[0055] The "Rehearsal Mode" GUI 400 includes the upper toolbar with the
plurality of drop down menus 301 comprising of "File", "Edit", "Format",
"View", "Tools", "Window" and "Help", for example. The user may select
the drop down menu 301 by common techniques, such as by clicking with the
mouse or the track pad 103 (FIG. 1) or by using keyboard shortcuts.

[0056] Below the dropdown menu 301 is a plurality of "Show Info" outputs
401 which are read only in the "Rehearsal Mode" 400. To the right of the
"Show Info" outputs 401 is the mode selector 303 to alternate between the
"Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3), the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 and the "Show Mode"
500 (FIG. 5).

[0061] In the "Preview & Edit Panel" 419, the user may add additional cues
327 to the "show flow grid" 324 by, clicking on the "Edit" button 417 and
then by clicking on the "Cue+" shortcut 312, the "Quick Cue" shortcut 311
or by selecting the corresponding options in the dropdown menu 301 and
then clicking the "push/save" button 418, for example.

[0062]FIG. 5 shows the third implementation of the software application
200 (FIG. 2A) as the "Show Mode" graphical user interface (GUI) 500, to
be utilized by means of the computer 100 (FIG. 1), in accordance with one
embodiment. The "Show Mode" GUI 500 is the module within which the user
is able to manage the live event production and communicate with the
plurality production team members using tablets 111 (FIG. 1), operating
the tablet software application 201 (FIG. 2B).

[0063] The "Show Mode" GUI 500 includes the upper toolbar with the
plurality of drop down menus 301 comprising of "File", "Edit", "Format",
"View", "Tools", "Window" and "Help", for example. The user may select
the drop down menu 301 by common techniques, such as by clicking with the
mouse or the track pad 103 (FIG. 1) or by using keyboard shortcuts.

[0064] Below the dropdown menu 301 is the plurality of "Show Info" outputs
401 which are read only in the "Show Mode" 500. To the right of the "Show
Info" outputs 401 is the mode selector 303 to alternate between the
"Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3), the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) and the
"Show Mode" 500.

[0069] In the "Preview & Edit Panel" 419, the user may add additional cues
327 to the "show flow grid" 324 by clicking the "Edit" button 417 and
then by clicking on the "Cue+" shortcut 312, the "Quick Cue" shortcut 311
or by selecting the corresponding options in the dropdown menu 301 and
then clicking the "push/save" button 418, for example.

[0070]FIG. 6 illustrates the first implementation of the tablet software
application 201 (FIG. 2B) as the graphical user interface (GUI) in
"Offline Mode" 600, to be utilized by means of the tablet 111 (FIG. 1),
in accordance with one embodiment.

[0071] The "Offline Mode" GUI 600 is the module within which the user is
able to view the show flow 213 (FIG. 2A) while not connected to the
computer 100 (FIG. 1) operating the computer software application 200
(FIG. 2A) via the wireless network router 114 (FIG. 1). It may be useful
for the user to view the show flow file 213 (FIG. 2A) for example, while
traveling on an airplane, before or after the live event to prepare for
the show or to make private notes, or during the live event in an
instance where the tablet 111 (FIG. 1) disconnects from the wireless
network 114 (FIG. 1) and needs a backup version of the show flow 213
(FIG. 2A) to continue properly executing the live event production.

[0072] The "Offline Mode" GUI 600 includes an upper toolbar with the
plurality of shortcuts comprising of the "Back" button 223, the "Save"
button 228, a "Print & Share" button 601, and a "Change User" function
231.

[0073] Below the toolbar is the plurality of "Show Info" outputs 401 which
are read-only in the tablet application 201 (FIG. 2B) and may include
information regarding the live event such as venue, client name, show
date, version number or show title, for example.

[0075] Below the read-only outputs is the "show flow grid" 324 comprising
of the plurality of columns 325 and rows 326. The columns 325 comprising:
the "Cue#" column 328, the "Cue Start" column 329, the "Cue Countdown"
column 330, the "Timer" column 331, the plurality of "Action" columns
332, the plurality of "User" columns 333, the "Notes Shared" column 334
and the "Notes Private" column 335 and are read-only in the tablet
application 201 (FIG. 2B). The "show flow grid" 324 is comprised of the
plurality of rows 326 identified by numerals 1, 2, 3 etc. Each row 326
represents one cue 327 in the "show flow grid" 324. Changes to the
columns 325 and cues 327 may be made by utilizing the computer software
application 200 (FIG. 2A) by means of the computer 100 (FIG. 1). The user
of the tablet application 201 (FIG. 2B) may, however edit the private
notes 335.

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates the second implementation of the tablet software
application 201 (FIG. 2B) as the graphical user interface (GUI) in "Live
Show/Rehearsal Mode" 700, to be utilized by means of the tablet 111 (FIG.
1), in accordance with one embodiment.

[0077] The "Live Show/Rehearsal Mode" GUI 700 is the module within which
the user is able to view the show flow 213 (FIG. 2A) while connected to
the computer 100 (FIG. 1) operating the computer software application 200
(FIG. 2A) via the wireless network router 114 (FIG. 1). As the Stage
Manager makes changes to the show flow 213 (FIG. 2A), the changes are
displayed in real-time on the tablet 111 (FIG. 1), in "Live
Show/Rehearsal Mode" 700.

[0078] The "Live Show/Rehearsal Mode" GUI 700 includes the upper toolbar
with the plurality of shortcuts and indicators comprising of the "Back"
button 223, the "Save" button 228, the "Print & Share" button 601, an
"Updated Cues Notification" 701 and the "Change User" function 231.

[0079] Below the toolbar is the plurality of "Show Info" outputs 401 which
are read-only in the tablet application 201 (FIG. 2B) and may include
information regarding the live event such as venue, client name, show
date, version number or show title, for example.

[0081] Next on the screen is the "show flow grid" 324 comprising of the
plurality of columns 325 and rows 326. The columns 325 comprising: the
"Cue#" column 328, the "Cue Start" column 329, the "Cue Countdown" column
330, the "Timer" column 331, the plurality of "Action" columns 332, the
plurality of "User" columns 333, the "Notes Shared" column 334 and the
"Notes Private" column 335 and are read-only in the tablet application
201 (FIG. 2B). The "show flow grid" 324 is comprised of the plurality of
rows 326 identified by numerals 1, 2, 3 etc. Each row 326 represents one
cue 327 in the "show flow grid" 324. Changes to the columns 325 and cues
327 may be made by utilizing the computer software application 200 (FIG.
2A) by means of the computer 100 (FIG. 1). The user of the tablet
application 201 (FIG. 2B) may, however edit the private notes 335.

[0082] FIG. 8 displays the third implementation of the tablet software
application 201 (FIG. 2B) as the graphical user interface (GUI) in Timer
Mode 800, to be utilized by means of the tablet 111 (FIG. 1), in
accordance with one embodiment.

[0083] The "Timer Mode" GUI 800 is the module within which the user is
able to view the timer full-screen on the tablet 111 (FIG. 1), while
connected to the Stage Manager's computer 100 (FIG. 1) via the wireless
network router 114 (FIG. 1). The Stage Manager may set timers for the
cues 327 (FIG. 3) which are triggered by means of the "Go" function 407
(FIG. 4) in the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) or the "Show Mode" 500
(FIG. 5) and are then displayed in real-time on the tablet 111 (FIG. 1),
in "Timer Mode" 800.

[0084] The "Timer Mode" GUI 800 includes the upper toolbar with the
plurality of shortcuts comprising of the "Back" button 223 and the
"Invert" button 801. Selecting the "Back" button 223 returns the user to
the initial screen GUI 204 (FIG. 2B). Below the toolbar is the
full-screen countdown timer 802 displaying hours, minutes and seconds,
for example.

[0086] In order to understand a plurality of basic rules of logic
comprising an "adding cue" logic 910, a "removing cue" logic 911 and an
"editing cue" logic 912 within the framework of the software application
200 (FIG. 2A), the following rules and terminology may be useful. There
are a plurality of classifications of cues in this embodiment of the
invention, comprising of a "Major Cue" type 903 and a "Minor Cue" type
904. The "Major Cues" 903 also referred to as segments, include the
user-defined duration 336 and the "Minor Cues" 904 do not include the
user-defined duration 336. The duration 336 of each "Major Cue" 903 may
not overlap the duration 336 of another "Major Cue" 904. The durations
336 of the consecutive "Major Cues" 903 must meet with no gaps in time.
The "Minor Cue" 904 which occurs within the duration 336 of another
"Major Cue" 903 is referred to as an "Associated Minor Cue" 904a. The
"Minor Cue" 904 which does not occur within the duration 336 of another
"Major Cue" 903 is referred to as an "Unassociated Minor Cue" 904b. The
cues 327 (FIG. 3) must always be displayed in chronological order within
the "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 3) as determined by the "Cue Start Time"
329 (FIG. 3) of each cue 327 (FIG. 3) and must never include a negative
time associated with the duration 336 (FIG. 3).

[0087] In the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) and in the "Show Mode" 500
(FIG. 5) there are a plurality of states within which the cues 327 (FIG.
3) may exist comprising, a "Current Cue" 905, a "Past Cue" 906 or a
"Future Cue" 907. The "Current Cue" 905 is the cue in the "Current Cue
Row" position 412. The "Future Cues" 907 include the cue in the "Standby
Cue Row" position 413 and any other cue with it's "Cue Start Time" 329
(FIG. 3) occurring after the "cue start time" 329 (FIG. 3) of the
"Current Cue" 905. The "Past Cues" 906 include any cue with it's "cue
start time" 329 (FIG. 3) occurring before the "cue start time" 329 (FIG.
3) of the "Current Cue" 905.

[0088] In "Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3), any cue 327 (FIG. 3) may be added,
removed or edited. To add a cue 327 (FIG. 3) in "Design Mode" 300 (FIG.
3), the user selects from the plurality of "add cue" functions 900 such
as the "Cue+" shortcut 312 (FIG. 3) or the "Quick Cue" shortcut 311 (FIG.
3) in the "Design Mode" toolbar 304 or may select the "insert cue"
command in the dropdown menu 301. Next, the user may select from the
plurality of cue classifications comprising, the "Major Cue" 903 or the
"Minor Cue" 904. When adding the "Major Cue" 903, the user must input the
"cue start time" 329 (FIG. 3) and the duration 336 (FIG. 3) of the new
cue 327 (FIG. 3). When adding the "Minor Cue" 904, the user must input
the "cue start time" 329 (FIG. 3) of the new cue 327 (FIG. 3).

[0089] To remove cues in "Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3), the user selects from
the plurality of "remove cue" functions 901 such as the "Cue-" shortcut
313 (FIG. 3) in the "Design Mode" toolbar 304 (FIG. 3) or may select the
"remove cue" command in the dropdown menu 301 (FIG. 3).

[0091] In "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) the "Past Cues" 906, the "Future
Cues" 907 or the "Current Cue" 905 may be added, removed or edited in the
Preview & Edit Panel 419.

[0092] In the "Show Mode" 500 (FIG. 5), only "Future Cues" 907 may be
added, removed or edited. To add, remove or edit the "Current Cue" 905 or
the plurality of "Past Cues" 906, the user may click on the "Oops" button
506 (FIG. 5) to recall the "Current Cue" 905 back to the "Standby Cue"
position 413. The action may be repeated as many times as desired to
recall multiple cues.

[0093] In the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) and the "Show Mode" 500 (FIG.
5), in order to add, remove or edit cues, the user must first click on
the "Edit" button 417 (FIG. 4) in the "Preview & Edit" toolbar 414 (FIG.
4). Once the "Edit" button 417 (FIG. 4) has been enabled, the user is
able to access the plurality of buttons and shortcuts in the "Preview &
Edit" toolbar 414 (FIG. 4) and make changes to the "Show Flow Grid" 324
(FIG. 4). After the desired changes have been made by the user, the user
must click on the "Push/Save" button 418 (FIG. 4) to exit the "Preview &
Edit" toolbar 414 (FIG. 4) as well as to save changes to the show flow
file and to push changes to connected tablets.

[0094] To add cues in the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) or the "Show Mode"
500 (FIG. 5), the user selects from the plurality of "add cue" functions
900 such as the "Cue+" shortcut 312 (FIG. 4) or the "Quick Cue" shortcut
311 (FIG. 4) in the "Preview & Edit" toolbar 304 (FIG. 4) or may select
the "insert cue" command in the dropdown menu 301 (FIG. 4). Next, the
user may add the "Major Cue" 903 or the "Minor Cue" 904. When adding
"Major Cues" 903, the user must input the "cue start time" 329 (FIG. 4)
and the duration 336 (FIG. 4) of the new cue 327 (FIG. 4). When adding
"Minor Cues" 904, the user must input the "cue start time" 329 (FIG. 4)
of the new cue 327 (FIG. 4).

[0095] To remove cues in the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) or the "Show
Mode" 500, the user selects from the plurality of "remove cue" functions
901 such as the "Cue-" shortcut 313 (FIG. 4) in the "Preview & Edit"
toolbar 414 (FIG. 4) or may select the "remove cue" command in the
dropdown menu 301 (FIG. 4).

[0096] To edit cues in the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) or the "Show
Mode" 500, the user selects from the plurality of "edit cue" functions
902 for example, by clicking on the corresponding "cue start time" 329
(FIG. 4) within the "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4). When adding the "Major
Cues" 903, the user must input the "cue start time" 329 (FIG. 4) and the
duration 336 (FIG. 4) of the new cue 327 (FIG. 4) and select a "maintain
cue order" function 908 or a "change cue order" function 909. When adding
"Minor Cues" 904, the user must input the "cue start time" 329 (FIG. 4)
of the new cue 327 (FIG. 4).

[0097] Based upon the user-defined inputs and the predetermined logic
programmed within the software application 200 (FIG. 2A), the
corresponding cue 327 (FIG. 4) is added to 913, removed from 914 or
edited within 915 the "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4) and the "cue start
time" 329 (FIG. 4) and, or the duration 336 (FIG. 4) of other cues 327
(FIG. 4) as well as the corresponding countdown clocks and timers are
automatically updated.

[0100] The Total Run Time of the show or the "Show TRT" 308 is the
industry standard term referring to the measurement of time which the
show is expected to run. The user may input the "Show Start Time" 306 and
the "Show End Time" 307 in "Design Mode" 300 (FIG. 3) and the software
application 200 (FIG. 2A) applies a logic 917a to calculate the "Show
TRT" (Total Run Time) 308. The logic 917a correlating to the "Show TRT"
308 is a mathematical formula that is equal to the difference in time
between the "Show Start Time" 306 and the "Show End Time" 307 and is
displayed in hours, minutes, and seconds, for example.

[0101] The "Cue Countdown" 330 counts down the hours, minutes and seconds
until the start of the next cue. Each time the user inputs the "Cue Start
Time" 329, the software application 200 (FIG. 2A) applies the logic 917b
to calculate the "Cue Countdown" 330. The logic 917b correlating to the
"Cue Countdown" 330 is a mathematical formula that is equal to the
difference in time between the "Cue Start Time" 329 (FIG. 3) of the
respective cue 327 (FIG. 3) and the "Cue Start Time" 329 of the next
consecutive cue 327 (FIG. 3). Further logic 917b correlating to "Cue
Start Time" 329 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 9A.

[0102] The "Duration" 336 is the industry standard term referring to the
measurement of time that the cue is expected to run. The user may input
the "Duration" 336 and the software application 200 (FIG. 2A) applies the
logic 917c and then displays the "Duration" 336 in the Show Flow Grid 324
(FIG. 3). The logic 917c correlating to the "Duration" 336 is illustrated
in more detail in FIG. 9A.

[0103] The "Timer" 331a is an optional countdown clock that counts down in
hours, minutes and seconds, for example from a predetermined input. The
user may input the "Timer" 331a and the software application 200 (FIG.
2A) applies the logic 917d and then displays the "Timer" 331a in the
plurality of "Timer" outputs 405 as well as any connected tablets
displaying the "Timer" GUI 800 (FIG. 8). The logic 917d correlating to
the "Timer" 331a determines if there are previous "Timers" 331a still
counting down and replaces it once the user clicks the "Go" button 407
(FIG. 4) for the cue 327 (FIG. 3) with another "Timer" 331a preset.

[0104] The "Stopwatch" 331b is the optional clock that counts up from zero
in hours, minutes and seconds from the predetermined input. The user may
input the "Stopwatch" 331b and the software application 200 (FIG. 2A)
applies the logic 917e and then displays the "Stopwatch" 331b in the
"Stopwatch" output 406. The logic 917e correlating to the stopwatch
determines if there are previous "Stopwatches" 331b still counting up and
replaces it once the user clicks the "Go" button 407 (FIG. 4) for the cue
327 (FIG. 3) with another "Stopwatch" 331b preset. The "Timer" also has
manual override options including pause, resume and reset, for example.

[0106] In the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4), the user may advance cues 327
(FIG. 4) in any order. In the "Show Mode" 500 (FIG. 5), the user advances
cues 327 (FIG. 5) in consecutive order. When the user selects the
"Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4) or the "Show Mode" 500 (FIG. 5), the first
cue is displayed in the "Standby Cue Row" 413 (FIG. 4) and the "Current
Cue Row" 412 (FIG. 4) is empty. Once the user clicks the "Go" button 407
(FIG. 4), the corresponding timers are in an activated state 922 and the
cue 327 (FIG. 4) in the "Standby Cue Row" 413 (FIG. 4) moves to the
"Current Cue Row" 412 (FIG. 4) and the second cue moves to the "Standby
Cue Row" 413 (FIG. 4). If "Auto Follow" 415a is on, the third cue then
moves to the top of the "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4) in the "Preview &
Edit Panel"419 (FIG. 4). If "Auto Follow" 415b is off, there is no
movement in the "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4).

[0107] In the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4), the user may choose to
advance cues out of order for the purpose of rehearsing select cues by
selecting the "Jump to Cue" function 309 (FIG. 4) or the "Find Text"
function 310 (FIG. 4). Once the user inputs the cue number into the "Jump
to Cue" input 309 (FIG. 4) or inputs text to search in the "Find Text"
input 310 (FIG. 4), there is no change to corresponding timers 918 and
the cue with the first occurrence of the search results moves to the
"Standby Cue" position 413a and there is no change to the "Current Cue"
412a position. If "Auto Follow" 415a is on, the next consecutive cue
after the "Standby Cue" 413 (FIG. 4) moves to the top cue position of the
"Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4) and all other cues in the "Show Flow Grid"
324 (FIG. 4) maintain consecutive cue 327 order.

[0108] Selecting the "Pause" button 408a in "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG. 4)
pauses the corresponding timers 919 and maintains the "Current Cue" 412b
position and the "Standby Cue" 413b position. There is no change to the
position of the cues in "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4). Once the user
clicks on the "Resume" button 408b, the timers resume 920 and the
"Current Cue" 412c, the "Standby Cue" 413c and the cues in the "Show Flow
Grid" 324 (FIG. 4) maintain position.

[0109] Selecting the "Reset" button 409 in the "Rehearsal Mode" 400 (FIG.
4) resets the corresponding timers 921 and recalls the "Current Cue" 412c
to the "Standby Cue" 413c position and clears the "Current Cue Row" 412c.
If the "Auto Follow" 415a is on, the next consecutive cue after the
"Standby Cue" 413d moves to the top cue position of the "Show Flow Grid"
324 (FIG. 4) and all other cues in the "Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 4)
maintain consecutive cue order. If the "Auto Follow" 415b is off, there
is no change to the cue 327 (FIG. 4) positions in the "Show Flow Grid"
324 (FIG. 4).

[0110] In the "Show Mode" 500, the user advances the cues 327 (FIG. 5) in
consecutive order. If the user makes a mistake by unintentionally
clicking the "Go" button 407 (FIG. 5), the user may click the "Oops"
button 506 (FIG. 5). Selecting the "Oops" button 506 (FIG. 5) resets the
corresponding timers 921, recalls the "Current Cue" 412e to the "Standby
Cue" 413e position and the previous consecutive cue moves to the "Current
Cue" 412e position. If the "Auto Follow" 415a is on, the next consecutive
cue after the "Standby Cue" 413e moves to the top cue position of the
"Show Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 5) and all other cues in the "Show Flow Grid"
324 (FIG. 5) maintain consecutive cue order. If the "Auto Follow" 415b is
off, there is no change to cue 327 (FIG. 5) positions in the "Show Flow
Grid" 324 (FIG. 5).

[0111] In the "Show Mode" 500, the user may decide to select a "restart
show" function 420 from the "dropdown menu" 301 (FIG. 5). Selecting the
"restart show" option 420 resets the corresponding timers 921, moves the
first cue to the "Standby Cue" position 413f, clears the "Current Cue
Row" 412f and moves the second cue to the top cue position of the "Show
Flow Grid" 324 (FIG. 5) while other cues in the "Show Flow Grid" 324
(FIG. 5) maintain consecutive cue order. The "Auto Follow" 415a is set to
the on position by default when starting or restarting the show.

ADVANTAGES

[0112] The first embodiment of the invention provides many advantages to
the event production industry considering the limitations of the current
industry standards in regards to event production documents created in
static spreadsheet form and stand-alone countdown clocks.

[0113] a.) The plurality of built-in timers of the first embodiment
comprising of countdown timers, stopwatches, +/- clock, and cue
countdown, provides valuable information to the production team and other
associated event professionals which they would not have using the
current industry standard static show flows printed on paper.

[0114] b.) The current and standby cue display of the first embodiment
informs all connected users which cue is currently being executed and
which cue is next to be executed. Team members no longer have to ask
"where are we" on the communication headset which causes excess traffic
on the communication channel and could potentially interrupt the Stage
Manager and cause confusion among the production team.

[0115] c.) The preview & edit, preview, and the auto follow features of
the first embodiment allows users to look ahead in the event production
document without losing their place. If the production team were using a
paper copy of the show flow instead, each time they look ahead to
subsequent pages they could potentially lose their place and be confused
in regards to upcoming cues which could result in costly user errors.

[0116] d.) The integrated countdown timer of the first embodiment allows
for full screen functionality to a connected computing device, which is
preset by the Stage Manager and is automatically triggered when advancing
the cues. This eliminates the need for an additional production crew
member to manually manage the prior art countdown timer throughout the
event production. The integrated countdown timer in the first embodiment
also is displayed on all connected computing devices which communicates
the important countdown information to the entire production team and
other event professionals, whereas the prior art countdown timer is
commonly placed on the lectern on stage for the speaker or presenter and
is not visible to the production team and other interested parties. The
integrated countdown timer could also be routed to external monitors and
placed in the greenroom, for example so that the upcoming presenters
could be informed of the time remaining for the current presenter's
segment. This would improve the backstage operations compared to current
industry standards.

[0117] e.) The integrated stopwatch of the first embodiment allows the
user to preset a stopwatch function, which may be triggered automatically
as the user advances cues. This allows the user to focus on managing the
event production and avoid being distracted by having to manually set a
separate stopwatch each time it is needed.

[0118] f.) The preview & edit function of the first embodiment facilitates
valuable real-time updates of the event production documents to the
production team while saving time and eliminating potentially costly
human errors. Without the real-time updates, it would take more time to
make changes to the show flow, print new copies of the show flow,
distribute the paper copies to the production team and then for the
production team to hand write their personal notes on the paper copies of
the show flow. Once the event production is underway, it is impractical
to print and distribute updated paper copies and changes are typically
made verbally over headset, which could also be a source of costly human
errors.

[0119] g.) The private notes feature of the first embodiment allows the
users to add their own notes digitally without having to hand write notes
again and again on each reprinted paper version of the event production
documents. This saves valuable time and reduces the chance for human
error.

[0120] h.) The integrated print function of the first embodiment allows
users to print event production documents or show flows with all of the
columns or to select a user specific show flow, which includes
predetermined columns. This saves time as the Stage Manager doesn't have
to print show flows for every user and the users may print a more
customized show flow that doesn't include information which does not
pertain to them.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

[0121] In conclusion, the digital show flow with integrated timers and
connectivity to other computing devices of the first embodiment of the
invention has many advantages as compared to current industry standard
event production documents, which are generally created as spreadsheets
then printed on paper, revised and reprinted up until show time. Once the
show begins, the Stage Manager verbally calls changes to the show flow
over the communication headset system. The ability to share real-time
updates with connected computing devices in the first embodiment may
reduce human errors and significantly save time and money associated with
the live event production.

[0122] It is noted that the first implementation of the invention is
described within the context of the familiar MacBook Pro laptop computer
and iPads, however, different types of computer processing devices such
as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computing devices and
other portable hand-held computing devices with different hardware,
software, operating systems and other specifications may be used for
various embodiments of the invention. Alternative embodiments may also
utilize a plurality of monitors, screens, printers, keyboards and other
input devices.

[0123] The wired and network connections shown in the first embodiment of
the invention are exemplary and other means of establishing
communications with other devices or storage means such as a local wired
or wireless network or via the Internet may also be used.

[0124] Alternative embodiments may comprise of different modes, which may
function independently or cooperatively and may operate with or without
connecting to other computing devices. Alternative embodiments may also
comprise of native software applications for different operating systems
or web-based software as a service, for example.

[0126] Other implementations of the invention may allow the plurality of
computing devices to select which combination of columns to view
including the option to view individual or multiple users columns at one
time and to change the layout on the screen to suit personal preferences.

[0127] Other implementations of this invention may include different
methods for controlling functionality such as: dragging and dropping the
rows or columns by means of right clicking or double tapping rows,
columns, cells, buttons and, or shortcuts with a mouse, track pad or
touch screen, or voice controlled functionality, for example. Other
remote control devices may also be implemented to control functionality
of the first embodiment of the invention by means of other computers,
tablets, phones, clickers, keypads or other mechanical or digital control
devices.

[0128] Alternative embodiments of the invention may include integrated
instant messaging, text messaging or SMS messaging between users of a
plurality of computing devices. Predetermined messages could be
associated with specific cues and automatically triggered to send to a
user on their device when advancing to the specific cue in the show flow.
This could be used to alert a presenter that they should be ready back
stage at a predetermined time, for example. Other automatic triggers
could function as a show control to automatically turn lights on or off,
switch video sources, play a video, fade music up or down, change songs,
turn microphones on or off, lower or raise drapery, cue talent or
presenters with lights, for example.

[0129] There are various possibilities with regard to the integrated timer
of the first implementation of the invention. The timer could be
customized with various fonts types, font sizes, colors, and highlights
or with different color or style background images. Alternative
embodiments of the timer could integrate the countdown clock, stopwatch,
various alphanumeric text or symbols. The timer could also integrate an
instant messaging function to be able to communicate with the presenter
or talent while on stage, for example. The timer could be displayed on a
tablet or other computing device and could be controlled by a plurality
of computing devices.

[0130] Alternative embodiments of the invention may include the ability to
create, edit, save, open, view, annotate, resize, print and share a
plurality of file types comprising of .sho, .xls, .xlsx, .doc, .docx,
.pdf, for example. The various file types may also be integrated into the
event production documents as 6-ups, scripts, previews, graphics and
videos, for example.

[0131] Alternative embodiments of the invention may include opening,
saving, editing, printing and sharing files from a plurality of computing
devices. Other implementations of this invention may include saving the
private notes function locally on the computing device, remotely on
another computing device or remote storage means such as a cloud-based
storage system.

[0132] The first embodiment of the invention may be used in association
with many different types of events productions such as corporate
meetings, broadcast television, concerts, sporting events, live theater,
manufacturing, medical procedures or education, for example.

[0133] While the above description contains many specificities, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment,
but as exemplifications of various embodiments. Thus, the scope should be
determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not
solely by the examples given.